3,000 or bust – then what, Biggio?

I watched the Astros pull out the 10-inning win over the Rangers Sunday
night. If you’re an Astros fan like me, you know it’s really been
disappointing to watch them struggle this season.

I’ve been keeping a close eye on Hunter Pence – Pence-sation as I like
to call it – since spring training. He sure hasn’t disappointed anyone.McClain tells me he’s the most exciting young Astro since Cesar
Cedeno, a genuine five-tool player destined for greatness. Hopefully.

But as excited as I am about Pence, nothing has captured my attention
more than Craig Biggio approaching 3,000 hits. How often do we get to
see an Astro make history? He had three more hits against the Rangers,
including driving in the go-ahead run in the 10th. That gives him 2,996
for his career.

Now the Astros are going to Milwaukee for a three-game series. I’ve
been reading the Chronicle and chron.com and listening to the sports talk
shows, and everyone is saying what they think Phil Garner should do
about playing Biggio or sitting him the closer he gets to the magical
3,000.

A lot of people think Biggio should stay on the bench on the road so he
can get 3,000 at home. But I just watched him drive in that go-head
run with another double to keep the Astros from getting swept by the
lowly Rangers, and it’s obvious to me that he’s still got that superstar
quality even though he’s 41, and his numbers have diminished over the
last couple of seasons.

Millions of fans around the country are watching Biggio as he gets
closer to this milestone. I’ll be watching on television, and if he’s still
short of 3,000 when the Astros return to Minute Maid Park, I’ll be
there cheering for him.

As an Astros fan, I’m honored to watch him become Mr. 3000. We all know
he’s going to reach the magical number; it’s just a matter of when and
where.

Now, here’s what I’d like to hear from you: After Biggio reaches 3,000,
what should Garner do with him? Should Biggio continue to play
regularly or become a part-time player? Should Mark Loretta, one of their best
hitters, replace him as the starter at second base? What about Chris
Burke, who’s been patient and unselfish since he was drafted in the
first round?